Dallas, Texas Fire Extinguishers

Portable, wheeled or fixed unit fire extinguishers are an invaluable tool that every occupied building should install and properly service aiding in the containment, suppression or extinguishing of small fires in Dallas, Texas.

Refilling & Recharge Fire Extinguisher in Dallas, Texas

There are a few reasons portable, fixed or wheeled fire extinguishers would need refill and recharge service performed by qualified, certified and actively licensed fire extinguisher companies in Dallas, Texas.

Why Refill and Recharge a Fire Extinguisher

The fire extinguisher was recently discharged

The fire extinguisher has been damaged, faulty or missing parts

The fire extinguisher cylinder is losing pressure

The fire extinguisher is losing weight

The fire extinguisher requires hydrostatic testing

RECHARGE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS IMMEDIATELY AFTER ANY USE

Fire Extinguisher Service, Maintenance & UseUSFA & FEMA

As a general rule, firefighting should be left to the fire department.

Only adults who know how to use portable fire extinguishers should use them.

Before trying to fight a fire, make sure that everyone is leaving the house, someone is calling 9-1-1, the extinguisher is mounted on the wall close to your way out, the fire is not bigger than a small wastepaper can and you can get out.

Inspect portable extinguishers monthly and have them serviced annually.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.

As a general rule, portable fire extinguishers for the home should have a rating of at least 2-A:10-B:C.

Refilling a fire extinguisher in Dallas, Texas

The refill and recharge of installed fire extinguishers may be required if any fire extinguisher was discharged, if there is damage to the fire extinguisher cylinders, collars, valve stems, o-rings & valve assemblies or if hydrostatic testing is needed.

Physical, visual and possibly mechanical tests should be performed by factory trained, qualified, certified and actively licensed fire extinguisher companies in Dallas, Texas to ensure fire extinguisher is fully operational.

Excerpt to Aid in Understanding the Annual Maintenance & Inspection of Fire Extinguishers.

Below is a typical service procedure that should be completed by a factory trained and qualified fire extinguisher company in Dallas, Texas for an Amerex Brand Fire Extinguisher No. 05602.

Clean extinguisher to remove dirt, grease or foreign material. Check to make sure that the
instruction nameplate is securely attached and legible. Inspect the cylinders for corrosion,
abrasion, dents or weld damage. If any damage is found, hydrostatically test in accordance with
instructions in CGA C-1 and C-6 and NFPA 10.

2

Inspect the extinguisher for damaged, missing or substitute parts. Only factory replacement parts are approved for use on Amerex fire extinguishers.

3

Weigh the extinguisher and compare with weight printed in the "Maintenance" section on the nameplate (label). Recharge extinguisher if weight is not within indicated allowable tolerances.

4

Check the date of manufacture printed on the extinguisher label (nameplate) or on the agent cylinder dome. The agent cylinder must be hydrostatically tested every 12 years to the test pressure indicated on the nameplate.

5

Visually inspect the pressure gauge:

If bent, damaged or improper gauge, depressurize and replace

If pressure is low, check for leaks

If over pressurized (overcharged), depressurize the extinguisher and follow recharge instructions.

6

Check ring pin for freedom of movement. Replace if bent or if removal appears difficult.

7

Inspect discharge lever for any dirt or corrosion which might impair freedom of movement. Inspect carrying handle for proper installation. If lever, handle or rivets are damaged replace with proper Amerex part(s).

8

Install new tamper seal if broken and record service data on the extinguisher inspection tag.

9

Remove nozzle or hose and horn assembly and visually inspect inside valve body. (Chemical in the valve body may indicate that the extinguisher has been partially discharged and should therefore be recharged). Inspect nozzle or the hose & horn assembly for damage – replace as necessary. Blow air through nozzle or hose and horn to insure passage is clear of foreign material.

10

Inspect the valve assembly for corrosion or damage to hose thread connection. Replace valve assembly or component parts as necessary following the proper depressurization and recharge procedures. If valve removal is necessary, complete all steps in the Recharge Procedure.

11

Install nozzle or hose and horn assembly.

12

Replace the extinguisher on the wall hanger or in the vehicle bracket making sure that it fits the bracket properly and the bracket is securely attached – replace the bracket if necessary.

Fire Extinguisher Company in Dallas, Texas

When maintenance is indicated, it should be performed by trained persons having proper equipment. Fire extinguishers are pressure vessels and must be treated with respect and handled with care. They are mechanical devices and require periodic maintenance to be sure that they are ready to operate properly and safely.

To ensure your fire extinguishing system will perform as expected in the event of a fire, you are
required to:
Inspect each system annually, and operate and maintain them in a working condition, making sure they are always turned on, except during repairs or maintenance [29 CFR 1910.160(b)(6)].
Notify employees and establish measures to guarantee their safety if a fixed extinguishing system becomes inoperable. Fix any defects or impairments by trained personnel. [29 CFR 1910.160(b)(2)].
Check the weight and pressure of refillable containers at least semiannually. If the container shows a loss in net content, weight, or pressure, it must be subjected to maintenance [29 CFR 1910.160(b)(7)].
Assure that factory charged non-refillable containers that have no means of pressure indication are weighed at least semiannually. Replace the container if it shows a loss in net weight [29 CFR 1910.160(b)(8)].
Assure that inspection and maintenance dates are recorded and kept until the container is checked again or for the life of the container, whichever is less [29 CFR 1910.160(b)(9)].
Train employees designated to inspect, maintain, operate, or repair fixed extinguishing systems. Review their training annually to keep them up-to-date [29 CFR 1910.160(b)(10)].
Train all employees with respect to the type of systems installed in the workplace, the hazards involved, proper activation in case of emergency, and the correct response to audible and visual pre-discharge alarms. Provide training for non-English speaking employees in languages understood by the affected employees and other individuals that may be exposed to the hazard.
Provide and assure the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for rescuing employees trapped in areas that have become hazardous due to an agent discharge [29 CFR 1910.160(b)(17)].

NO INSTRUCTION MANUAL CAN ANTICIPATE ALL POSSIBLE MALFUNCTIONS THAT MAY BE ENCOUNTERED IN THE SERVICE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY THAT PRIOR SERVICE PERFORMED ON THIS EQUIPMENT MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY DONE, IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT ALL WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND NOTES FOUND IN FIRE EXTINGUISHER MANUFACTURER SERVICE MANUALS BE CAREFULLY OBSERVED. FAILURE TO HEED THESE INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.